The latest installment of our quaterly &quot;Re-Thinking Permaculture&quot; gatherings will focus on nurturing our personal and collective transformations towards revolutionary simplicity - a life of true responsibility towards our natural home, all creatures, and our own joyful and liberated potential as human beings. Particularly during this time of political volatility, we come together to inspire and support each other in creating a new culture to replace the failings of the old. Reflecting the contemplative nature of this season of more darkness and stillness, we will have increased opportunity for meditative practices, and not as busy a workshop schedule - but still several presenters offering a variety of ideas and inspirations to help us grow our movement. As usual there is no charge (donations accepted), and food will be provided for free (overnight stay at the Ecovillage will be possible). Please let us know if you're interested in coming, if you want to present a workshop, or if you have a question or want to contribute to the shaping of the gathering. Questions and other feedback can be sent to touchingearth@riseup.net
https://www.facebook.com/events/1809993529274530/

A follow-up convergence from our last gathering in the Summer!
There is NO CHARGE for this event, although donations are welcome. All food will be provided for FREE – procured from the abundance around us using the strategies we will share! You are encouraged to spend the night on site, also for no charge (indoor or outdoor).
SCHEDULE from last one to give you idea of format.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=243219482715884&amp;set=gm.283870531965457&amp;type=3&amp;theater
Also write up from the last convergence:
http://wisdompractitioner.blogspot.com/2016/06/rethinking-permaculture-summer-solstice.html
Please join us for a weekend convergence where we will discover how to transform our lives to be more in line with our heart’s compassionate and harmonious nature.
Traditional permaculture has great insights into more sustainable ways to grow our own food – we aim to expand the vision of sustainability to include the practical changes we can make to our daily lives, right now, to create less harm to our world, and to foster a more ecologically sensitive, and more joyfully vibrant, human culture.
We will cover techniques to grow more of our own food, but also look at the daily consumer habits and lifestyle patterns that we take for granted, and to explore how they might be transformed to free us from the oppressive and unhealthy aspects of our society.
We will consider what it means to practice “spiritual permaculture” – living in a way that honors all living beings, and all the diversity of life on our planet, as our family. In this light, we will focus on practices that don’t confine or cause suffering to other animals for our own (human) benefit.
Whether experienced permaculturists, or the newly curious, all are welcome to attend. If you have something you’d like to teach that is in line with our vision, anyone is welcome to facilitate a class – let us know what you’d like to offer! (There will be an opportunity to add classes on the first night of the gathering.)
We aspire to offer the kinds of workshops where participants will learn the skills, and receive the support, that can lead to actual, practical, life changes immediately after the weekend.
• Veganic farming strategies
• Reducing dependence on the money system
• Fostering community sharing
• Meditation, movement, and sound practices to support a sustainable life
• Classes focused on creating real, practical changes in our daily lives, to be implemented now!
Kailash Ecovillage, 4311 SE 37th Avenue, Portland, OR 9720
https://www.facebook.com/events/1778435062396563/

A follow-up convergence from our last gathering in the spring!
Schedule(Specific workshops/events to be added after we collectively agree on our schedule Friday night)
Fri: 5pm-9pm Dinner provided
Sat:: 9am-9pm Breakfest/Lunch/Dinner provided)
Sun: 9am-3pm Breakfest/Lunch provided
Please join us for a weekend convergence where we will discover how to transform our lives to be more in line with our heart’s compassionate and harmonious nature.
Traditional permaculture has great insights into more sustainable ways to grow our own food – we aim to expand the vision of sustainability to include the practical changes we can make to our daily lives, right now, to create less harm to our world, and to foster a more ecologically sensitive, and more joyfully vibrant, human culture.
We will cover techniques to grow more of our own food, but also look at the daily consumer habits and lifestyle patterns that we take for granted, and to explore how they might be transformed to free us from the oppressive and unhealthy aspects of our society.
We will consider what it means to practice “spiritual permaculture” – living in a way that honors all living beings, and all the diversity of life on our planet, as our family. In this light, we will focus on practices that don’t confine or cause suffering to other animals for our own (human) benefit.
Whether experienced permaculturists, or the newly curious, all are welcome to attend. If you have something you’d like to teach that is in line with our vision, anyone is welcome to facilitate a class – let us know what you’d like to offer! (There will be an opportunity to add classes on the first night of the gathering.)
We aspire to offer the kinds of workshops where participants will learn the skills, and receive the support, that can lead to actual, practical, life changes immediately after the weekend.
• Veganic farming strategies
• Reducing dependence on the money system
• Fostering community sharing
• Meditation, movement, and sound practices to support a sustainable life
• Classes focused on creating real, practical changes in our daily lives, to be implemented now!
There is no charge for this event, although donations are welcome. All food will be provided for free – procured from the abundance around us using the strategies we will share! You are encouraged to spend the night on site, also for no charge (indoor or outdoor).
Kailash Ecovillage, 4311 SE 37th Avenue, Portland, OR 9720
https://www.facebook.com/events/278426102509900/

Rethinking Permaculture Vernal Equinox Convergence: Everyday Strategies for Compassionate Living
Hosted by Kailash Ecovillage and Food Not Bombs
Please join us for a weekend convergence where we will discover how to transform our lives to be more in line with our heart’s compassionate and harmonious nature.
Traditional permaculture has great insights into more sustainable ways to grow our own food – we aim to expand the vision of sustainability to include the practical changes we can make to our daily lives, right now, to create less harm to our world, and to foster a more ecologically sensitive, and more joyfully vibrant, human culture.
We will cover techniques to grow more of our own food, but also look at the daily consumer habits and lifestyle patterns that we take for granted, and to explore how they might be transformed to free us from the oppressive and unhealthy aspects of our society.
We will consider what it means to practice “spiritual permaculture” – living in a way that honors all living beings, and all the diversity of life on our planet, as our family. In this light, we will focus on practices that don’t confine or cause suffering to other animals for our own (human) benefit.
Whether experienced permaculturists, or the newly curious, all are welcome to attend. If you have something you’d like to teach that is in line with our vision, anyone is welcome to facilitate a class – let us know what you’d like to offer! (There will be an opportunity to add classes on the first night of the gathering.)
We aspire to offer the kinds of workshops where participants will learn the skills, and receive the support, that can lead to actual, practical, life changes immediately after the weekend.
• Veganic farming strategies
• Reducing dependence on the money system
• Fostering community sharing
• Meditation, movement, and sound practices to support a sustainable life
• Classes focused on creating real, practical changes in our daily lives, to be implemented now!
There is no charge for this event, although donations are welcome. All food will be provided for free – procured from the abundance around us using the strategies we will share! You are encouraged to spend the night on site, also for no charge (indoor or outdoor).
Kailash Ecovillage, 4311 SE 37th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202
Community room
Friday, March 25, 5-9pm | Introductions, Event Scheduling &amp; Meal.
Saturday, March 26, 9am-9pm | Presentations/Workshops
Sunday, March 27, 9am-3pm | Presentations/Workshops &amp; Discussion
In order to help us best plan this event, please RSVP
Here is a link to our event page where you can RSVP.
http://www.kailashecovillage.org/rethinkingpermaculture/
Let us know if you wish to host a presentation or workshop!
http://www.facebook.com/events/1718238318452293/

I'm pleased to announce that my next NVC Group will be Wednesday evenings, beginning January 14th, for 12 weeks. If it's been a while since you've done one of my groups, I'd like you to know that I've added new material regarding victim and creator consciousness, as well as altered my support request. If you've got some NVC experience, and would enjoy a review of the basics, I do anticipate lots of juicy role-play practice in the latter half of the group.
&quot;It is astonishing how elements that seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens. How confusions that seem irremediable become relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard.&quot; --Carl Rogers
In this 12-week group, come learn how to hear and speak what is alive in you and others, in more effective and less costly ways. NVC is a form of relational mindfulness designed to cultivate authenticity, connection and caring in how we relate. It includes and goes beyond communication skills, helping us reach beneath the surface and discover what is deeply vital and alive within us, as it guides our endeavors to transform victimization, heal trauma, and interact with the world with conscious intention, choice and responsibility.
It incorporates self-reflection, discernment and inquiry through empathic connection and honest vulnerability - rather than judgment, demand, lying or hiding. We learn how to focus our attention on what is deeply alive, vital and authentic in us and others, emphasizing connection and compassion as the intrinsic motivation for action, rather than extrinsic motivation like fear of punishment or expectation for reward.
This group is intended for beginners, as there will be substantial amounts of instruction and Socratic education - however, it also includes material that even if you've got some NVC experience, I'm pretty confident you have not encountered in an NVC group before (unless you did my last group ). So, if you'd like a deep and through review of the basics, I do anticipate lots of role-play practice in the latter half of the group.
Come join in the challenge and fun of discovery, learning and connection!
When: Wednesdays, 6:30-9:00pm, January 14th – April 1st, 2015 (12 meetings)
Where: Kailash Ecovillage, 4311 SE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97202 (4 Trimet bus lines within 6 blocks)
Facilitator: Upgeya Pew
Tuition: $300.00 - $50.00 sliding scale; pay-it-forward recognized for demonstrated gifters.
To Enroll: Private message me with your e-mail address and/or phone#.
http://www.facebook.com/events/1587223571514367/

&quot;It is astonishing how elements that seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens. How confusions that seem irremediable become relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard.&quot; --Carl Rogers
Come learn how to hear and speak what is alive in you and others, in more effective and less costly ways. Compassionate Communication (NVC) is a form of relational mindfulness designed to cultivate authenticity, connection and caring in how we relate. The process includes and goes beyond communication skills, helping us reach beneath the surface and discover what is deeply vital and alive within us, as it guides our endeavors to transform victimization, heal trauma, and interact with the world with conscious intention, choice and responsibility. It incorporates self-reflection, discernment and inquiry through empathic connection and honest vulnerability - rather than judgment, demand, lying or hiding, emphasizing connection and compassion as the intrinsic motivation for action, rather than extrinsic motivations like fear of punishment or expectation for reward.
This group is intended for beginners, as there will be more instruction and exercises, and less processing than in my usual groups.
Come join in the challenge and fun of discovery, learning and yummy connection!
When Wednesdays, 6:30-9:00pm, September 17th – November 19th (10 meetings)
Where: Kailash Ecovillage, 4311 SE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97202 (4 Trimet bus lines within 6 blocks)
Facilitator: Upgeya Pew
Tuition: $250.00 - $50.00 sliding scale; pay-it-forward recognized for demonstrated gifters.
To Enroll: Send e-mail and Paypal a deposit (of your choosing) to spirit@lovebeing.org
Details &amp; Questions: email spirit@lovebeing.org or call 541-362-1011

Following in the footsteps paved by the Planetary Repair Institute (2012)and Fostervillage (2013), Kailash Ecovillage will host this year's event.
Our schedule will follow a similar format to the prior 2 year's events:
Fri., Mar. 28th (5:30pm – 9:30pm)
Sat., Mar. 29th (8:30am – 9pm)
Sun., Mar. 30th (8:30am – 3:30pm)
All experience levels are welcome – from beginners to permaculture experts.
Permaculture is the conscious design of 'cultivated' ecosystems that have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is a harmonious integration of people into the landscape in such a way that the land grows in richness, productivity and aesthetic beauty.
Continuing on the momentum of the first two years, this is a special opportunity for Permies and the permaculture-curious in SE to gather together, share knowledge and skills, make connections, and inspire one another in taking the next steps in growing a regenerative culture in SE Portland and beyond.
The weekend will begin at the ecovillage Community Room on Friday, March 28th, 5:30pm, with a vegan potluck dinner. Please bring a vegan dish (no meat, dairy, eggs or honey) good for 8-12 people. After dinner and a couple short presentations we will plan the weekend organically based on what people are interested in discussing, presenting and contributing to the weekend. The format for the gathering will include discussion circles, presentations, skill-shares and hands-on projects. We will wrap up on Sunday afternoon after lunch with a next-steps session and closing circle.
Vegan meals will be provided on Saturday and Sunday, and we are asking for a $40 contribution. If cost is a prohibitive issue, please inquire about work-trade opportunities. (However, it appears we have enough work trad volunteers at this time.) Child-care options are undetermined at this moment
Space is limited, so please plan to reserve your place as soon as possible.
Send payment (check, money order, or cash) to:
Kailash Ecovillage
4237 SE 37th Ave Unit A
Portland OR 97202
Check out our new web page for more information about our many projects: kailashecovillage.org
and our event page for the convergence:
http://www.kailashecovillage.org/se-portland-permaculture-convergence-2014/
You can also pay on line on this page.
http://www.facebook.com/events/425843670894587/